Colossus is a term applied to multiple products across different industries. Here's a breakdown of a few prominent examples:
1. Analogue Solutions Colossus: This is a large-scale, all-analog synthesizer. Tom Carpenter of Analogue Solutions designed it, drawing inspiration from the EMS Synthi 100 but using his own original circuits. Key features include 12 VCOs, 2 LFOs (expandable to 16), 8 filters with serial VCAs, twin patch matrix panels, joysticks, spring reverbs, ring modulators, and 32-step analog sequencers. It lacks MIDI or USB connectivity, focusing on a classic, purely analog experience. The price is around £26,500 (excluding VAT, crating, and shipping), with a 25% deposit required to get on the order list. A "Slim" version (AS200) is also available for those with space constraints.
2. Google Colossus: This is Google's foundational distributed storage system, the successor to the Google File System (GFS). It underpins many Google products, including YouTube, Gmail, and Google Drive, as well as Google Cloud services like Cloud Storage and Firestore. Colossus is designed for massive scalability, often reaching exabytes of storage within a single cluster. It offers features like software RAID, efficient disk management, and tiered storage, optimizing for performance, cost, and diverse application requirements. Google's Colossus also supports the new Rapid Storage in zonal locations.
3. Hauppauge Colossus: This is a PC-based internal HD video recorder. Hauppauge manufactures it, and it's designed for recording gameplay or TV programs. It records HDMI video at up to 1080i resolution and also supports component video input. Key features include H.264 encoding, an IR blaster for changing TV channels, and the ability to loop HDMI output from a graphics card for recording PC gameplay without slowing down the system. Colossus 2 is an updated version that records both HDMI and Component video at up to 1080p30, with support for 1080p60 passthrough. It also includes hardware support for H.264 Variable (VBR) and Constant bit rate (CBR) encoding, video downscaling, and a logo inserter.
4. BitFenix Colossus: This is a PC chassis known for its advanced LED lighting system with dual-mode red and blue colors. BitFenix manufactures it, emphasizing expandability, security, and cooling. It features USB 3.0 ports, support for multiple PCI Express devices and SSDs/HDDs, and the BitFenix S3 security system for locking away valuables and peripherals.
5. Motorized Precision Colossus: This is a large and powerful motion control cinema robot. Standing 14 feet tall with a 10-foot reach, it provides precise motion control for filmmaking, from macro close-ups to wide shots. The Colossus Base MK II has powered wheels and a joystick for easy movement.
6. Marvel Legends Legacy Collection Colossus: This is a 9-inch tall action figure that is part of the Marvel Legends Sets in the Legacy Collection group. This toy was released in 2024 with a retail price of $39.99.
7. Colossus Computing: This company provides space data infrastructure, including space-grade GPUs, networking, and storage solutions. Their products are designed for processing raw data in orbit to reduce downlink costs. Their products include Falcon GPU Platform, Kestrel GPU Platform, Razorback Networking, Wasp FPGA Platform, and Pelican SSD.
